FBI Background Check Apostille
FBI Background Check Apostille
The FBI Identity History Summary — commonly called the FBI background check — is the primary criminal clearance document accepted by UAE authorities for employment visa processing and professional licensing. Because it is a federal document, it cannot be apostilled by any state's Secretary of State. Instead, it must go through the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C., which operates under different procedures and timelines than state offices.
This distinction catches many applicants off guard. They obtain the FBI background check, send it to their state's Secretary of State, and receive a rejection — losing weeks in the process. Green Apple Attest prevents this by routing your FBI background check directly to the correct federal authority from the start.
Our team coordinates the entire chain: from verifying your FBI background check's validity period (most UAE authorities require it to be less than six months old), to submitting it to the U.S. Department of State, to arranging secure delivery of the apostilled document to your UAE address. We also advise on timing, since the FBI check itself has a limited validity window and the apostille process must be completed before that window closes.
This service is essential for professionals in healthcare, education, finance, aviation, and any sector where UAE regulators require criminal background clearance as a condition of employment or licensing.
Documents Required
- Original FBI Identity History Summary (must be less than six months old for most UAE applications)
- Clear photocopy of your valid passport (data page)
- Completed Green Apple Attest service request form
- Authorization letter granting Green Apple Attest permission to process the document
- Copy of your UAE job offer letter or employer's document request (helps confirm timing requirements)
- Fingerprint card receipt or FBI request confirmation number (for reference)
Special Requirements
- • FBI background checks must be submitted to the U.S. Department of State within their validity period. Expired FBI checks cannot be apostilled and a new background check must be obtained.
- • Channeler-obtained FBI background checks (processed through FBI-approved third parties) follow the same Department of State apostille procedure but should include the channeler receipt for reference.
How It Works
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1Submit your original FBI Identity History Summary and supporting documents to Green Apple Attest via secure courier or at our UAE office.
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2We verify the document's validity period, confirm it meets UAE authority requirements, and check for any issues that could cause delays at the Department of State.
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3Green Apple Attest submits the FBI background check to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications, in Washington, D.C. for apostille.
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4Once apostilled, we arrange secure international shipping to your UAE address or prepare the document for MOFA attestation if required.
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5You receive your fully apostilled FBI background check with a processing summary and tracking confirmation.
Insider Tips
Insider Tips
- Request your FBI background check well in advance of starting the apostille process. The FBI itself can take 3-5 weeks to process your Identity History Summary, and you need to add the Department of State apostille timeline on top of that.
- Do not open the sealed FBI background check envelope. Some processing authorities require the document to arrive in its original sealed envelope. Green Apple Attest advises you on handling requirements based on current Department of State procedures.
- If your UAE employer requires both an FBI background check and state-level police clearances, process them simultaneously. Green Apple Attest can coordinate both the federal apostille and state apostille tracks in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions
FBI background checks are federal documents, not state documents. Only the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. has the authority to apostille federal records. Submitting an FBI background check to a state Secretary of State will result in rejection.
Most UAE employers and licensing bodies require the FBI background check to be less than six months old at the time of submission. The apostille itself does not expire, but the underlying document does. Green Apple Attest advises on timing to ensure your apostilled check remains valid through your UAE application process.
Standard processing at the U.S. Department of State takes approximately 4-8 weeks. Expedited processing options may be available. Green Apple Attest provides current timeline estimates and recommends the fastest available track based on your deadline.
Some UAE employers accept state-level police clearances, which can be apostilled by the relevant Secretary of State. However, most UAE government entities and licensing bodies specifically require the FBI background check. Green Apple Attest confirms which document your specific UAE authority requires before you begin.
An FBI background check that shows a criminal record can still be apostilled. The apostille authenticates the document's origin, not its contents. Whether the record affects your UAE application depends on the nature of the offense and the requirements of the requesting UAE authority.
Quick Facts
- Processing Time
- 8-12 business days
- Pricing From
- AED 450
- Country
- United States
- Delivery
- Free across the UAE
Questions About This Service?
Our specialists know United States requirements inside out — call or message for free guidance.
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